From Skagit Valley Soil: The Lessons of a Local Flower Farmer
As I mark the first month of my FlowerFunk flower farming journey, I find myself navigating between exhaustion and exhilaration, two emotions entangled in this marvelous adventure of nurturing blooms. It's a unique fatigue, different from any I've experienced before. As a teacher, I know the 'teacher tired,' the weariness that sets in after a day in the classroom. But here, on the farm, I've discovered a new form of tiredness – one I'm learning to embrace – 'farm tired.'
This is the weariness that greets me after a Sunday spent digging trenches for tulips, where soil becomes my companion, adorning my hands after hours of mulching and weeding. It's the labor that starts at dawn, answering emails before delving into a day of physical work.
Yet, within 'farm tired,' there exists a sense of fulfillment, a camaraderie shared with flower friends who spark meaningful conversations and forge connections. It's the quiet moments of nurturing and cultivating, akin to a comforting conversation with nature itself.
'Farm Tired' Meets Teaching
Interestingly, 'farm tired' intertwines with the patience and adaptability I've gained from my years of teaching. In both worlds, it's about nurturing growth – one in young minds, the other in budding flowers. And doing so with an abundance of patience.
Working with tulip bulbs on the farm is a bit like handling teenagers in a classroom. Each bulb has its own rhythm and stance, just like every teen with their quirks and personalities. It's all about understanding these unique characters and giving them the right space and care to grow in their own style. Whether it's coaxing bulbs to bloom or guiding students to flourish, patience and individualized attention are the secret ingredients to nurturing growth.
Dreams from 'Farm Tired'
Dreams for tomorrow often echo in the midst of 'farm tired'. As I delicately tend to each bloom, I'm nurturing not just flowers but the aspirations that led me on this beautiful journey. It's in the daily routines, the weeding, the planting, that my dreams paint a picture of a vibrant field, bursting with life. 'Farm tired' whispers the promise of a brighter and more fulfilling tomorrow.
In the depth of 'farm tired', I hold my dream for FlowerFunk close to heart. My dream, my vision, is to toil in these fields so others can revel in the bounty of this labor. Farming is no joke; it's a symphony of hard work, dedication, and patience. However, the joy that comes with the freshness of cut flowers is an experience meant for everyone.
With FlowerFunk, my mission is simple: to share the farm's heart with you through events, classes, pop-ups, and more. It's an ode to nature’s pure beauty, a serene connection waiting for everyone within our fields.
It's in the quiet meeting between the soil and my tired hands that I find the dreams that drive me forward. There's a unique satisfaction in recognizing that every weed pulled and every bulb planted is a step closer to those dreams. The grime on my hands from toiling in the soil is not just a testament to hard work but also a testament to unwavering aspirations.
Despite the exhaustion, these quiet moments are my most vibrant ones. The rhythms of 'farm tired' intermingle with the essence of my dreams, creating a song that keeps me going.
It is within this interplay of tiredness and dreams that I shape my aspirations into reality. My hands may be weathered, my body weary, but the vision they work toward is brighter and more radiant with each passing day.
In 'farm tired,' I've found a union of patience, adaptability, and the art of nurturing, bridging two worlds I hold dear – teaching and flower farming. It's a journey that exhausts me yet fills me with boundless joy. So, as I venture into the weeks ahead, I embrace 'farm tired' with open arms, knowing that it's a bridge to sow the seeds of joy that blossom into vibrant bouquets for all to cherish.
